Meals

Daily Breakfast B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner

Hygieneprotocol

For visiting South-East Asia it is recommended (but not mandatory) to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, and Covid-19.  Please note, to enter Vietnam you need to provide a vaccination certificate for Covid-19, in Laos and Thailand you can enter without a certificate but need to provide a negative PCR or rapid test issued no earlier than 48 hours before arrival. In Cambodia, if you do not have the vaccination certificate you will be obligated to make a test at the airport upon arrival.  Please contact our team before the trip to get the latest updates on vaccination requirements

Flights

Luang Prabang - Hanoi (with 20 kg luggage allowance) Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (with 20 kg luggage allowance) ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Realistic Asia as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process, and ensuring that travelers have a smooth and stress-free experience while on their trip.

Accommodation

3-star hotels: Luang Prabang: Villa Chitdara or similar Ho Chi Minh City: Queen Ann Hotel or similar Can Tho: Kim Tho Hotel or similar Hanoi - San Premium or similar Halong Bay - Le Journey Cruise or similar 4-star hotels: Luang Prabang : Souphattra Hotel or similar Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa or similar Can Tho: Iris Can Tho Hotel or similar Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar Ha long Bay: Aquamarine Cruise Halong or similar 5-stars hotels: Luang Prabang: Pullman Hotel or similar Ho Chi Minh City: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar Can Tho: Sheraton Can Tho or similar Hanoi: Apricot Hotel and Spa or similar Halong Bay: Doris Cruise or similar Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program)

Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way) - Air-conditioned bus or private cars for the excursions

Guide

Experienced English speaking guide French/German/Spanish/Russian/Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied

Others

- Kayaking boat in Ha Long bay (if any) - All sightseeing tickets as per itinerary - Tissues and water on coach

Not included:

Others

X International flights and departure taxes X Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities X Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned) X Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet) X Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday in Vietnam, Laotian New Year) if applicable X Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am X Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person) X Services not mentioned above

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Laos - Luang Prabang Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Laos - Luang Prabang Arrival

Your Laos and Vietnam trip begins with your arrival in Luang Prabang.

On arrival at airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening is free to explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Day 2 Luang Prabang – Flower Offering Class - City Tour – Khoang Si Waterfall (B) - Private Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Luang Prabang – Flower Offering Class - City Tour – Khoang Si Waterfall (B) - Private Tour

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).

After breakfast, we visit Morning Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

Then we we transfer to Heritage House and attend a hands-on experience in traditional religious floral decoration uses banana leaves and local flower from the lush jungles that surround in this art form, and will help you create a religious offering, or Van-Cornet. Then we bring our flower set to visit the temple nearby and offer to Monks. Next, we visit National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue to Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.

Afternoon, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.

Return to hotel for overnight.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3 Half Day Elephant Experience – Baci Ceremony At Local House (B,L,D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Half Day Elephant Experience – Baci Ceremony At Local House (B,L,D)

• 8:00 am - 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang, Laos

• Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants

• Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants

• Explore Elephant Village: Visit elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery and dung paper making area

• Learn to communicate with elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a mahout and how they communicate with the elephants.

• Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water (swim suit recommended)

• Lunch: Dine at our Shangri Lao restaurant.

• Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (Vegetarian options are available)

• Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang prabang around 1:00pm

Note: Elephant Village has the right to divide the group into small groups

This evening, experience the Baci & Lao Dance performance. The Baci is a ceremony to celebrate special events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells. The purpose of this ancient ritual is to call back escaped souls to the body, thus re-establishing harmony and balance to the body. A dinner is following after Baci.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4 Luang Prabang - Flight To Hanoi (B) Flight Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Luang Prabang - Flight To Hanoi (B) Flight Included

Relish the remaining moment in Luang Prabang before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Hanoi. When you arrive at Than Son Nhat Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free for leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5 Get Away From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Get Away From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.

Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc’s life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.

Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.

Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields. Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village.

Then your driver will take you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6 Hanoi - Overnight Cruise On Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Shared Cruise/Bus
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Overnight Cruise On Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Shared Cruise/Bus

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at Halong, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.
Day 7 Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/Brunch) - Shared Cruise/Bus
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/Brunch) - Shared Cruise/Bus

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8 Hanoi - Flight To Ho Chi Minh City (B) Flight Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Flight To Ho Chi Minh City (B) Flight Included

Relish the remaining moment in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9 Cycle In The Countryside Of Mekong Delta (B/L/D) (Join A Group Tour)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cycle In The Countryside Of Mekong Delta (B/L/D) (Join A Group Tour)

Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking in the village paths to contemplate orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits, and Vietnamese folk music performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Be rowed in a small sampan through the Thoi Son canal and treat yourself to the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business & bee-keeping farm, and enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at the local restaurant. Break time.

The afternoon is time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meeting the local people to experience their daily life in the Mekong delta. Relaxing on hammocks to enjoy the cool breeze is for those do not want to join the cycling trip. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.
Day 10 Mekong – Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh (B/L) (Join A Group Tour)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mekong – Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh (B/L) (Join A Group Tour)

Have breakfast at hotel. You can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area.

Walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda - a Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then move by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit the fruit plantation and enjoy seasonal fruits.

Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 Learn Vietnam War’S History With Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels (B) (Join In Group Tour)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Learn Vietnam War’S History With Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels (B) (Join In Group Tour)

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnel. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served.

Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12 Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Laos and Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home. Trip Ends.

Goodbye and safe travel!

12 days tour

Heritage Trail Of Laos & Vietnam In 12 Days

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Heritage Trail Of Laos & Vietnam In 12 Days

Welcome To Laos - Luang Prabang Arrival

Luang Prabang – Flower Offering Class - City Tour – Khoang Si Waterfall (B) - Private Tour

Half Day Elephant Experience – Baci Ceremony At Local House (B,L,D)

Luang Prabang - Flight To Hanoi (B) Flight Included

Get Away From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)

Hanoi - Overnight Cruise On Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Shared Cruise/Bus

Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/Brunch) - Shared Cruise/Bus

Hanoi - Flight To Ho Chi Minh City (B) Flight Included

Cycle In The Countryside Of Mekong Delta (B/L/D) (Join A Group Tour)

Mekong – Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh (B/L) (Join A Group Tour)

Learn Vietnam War’S History With Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels (B) (Join In Group Tour)

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

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